Van Dijk Defends Alexander-Arnold After Liverpool Star’s Man Utd Flop

After seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold struggle against Manchester United, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk refutes claims that Real Madrid’s interest may have had a negative effect on his teammate.

Alexander-Arnold was at fault for Lisandro Martinez’s opener in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Anfield, falling well below his usual high standards.

The right-back’s sloppy performance comes during a long-running debate over his future with the Premier League leaders.

READ ALSO:  Man Utd’s Dalot Says Amorim’s ‘Pinch’ Inspired Him Against Liverpool

The 26-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he can now sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.

Real, a triumfant in Spain, reportedly made a move for him, but Liverpool is thought to have rejected their offer.

After Sunday’s showdown, former United captain Roy Keane took a swipe at Alexander-Arnold’s error-strewn display.

There is talk that he might transfer to Real Madrid, but he is also claiming that he will transfer to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better,” Keane told Sky Sports.

“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent’s defending today. My goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff. ”

Fourth-tier Tranmere responded to Keane’s jibe with their own light-hearted assessment of Alexander-Arnold.

The club’s full-back Cameron Norman was spotted on X with the caption “Trent to Tranmere Roy” in a picture. Nah, we’re alright thanks”.

Former United right-back Gary Neville suggested speculation over Alexander-Arnold’s future could have been a distraction.

He argued that Real Madrid’s alleged bid was inappropriate for him. He will be unnerved by that, I believe. A powerful club like Real Madrid.

There are three reasons why that performance happened: he’s already played this before, he just had a bad game, or the conversation was so heated.

His passing and forward play, in my opinion, were the worst I’ve ever witnessed. ”

Alexander-Arnold is still able to convince Liverpool to give him a new contract, but he is also entitled to leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

Van Dijk, a Reds defender, is confident that his teammate can handle the potentially distracting situation as Liverpool battle for the quadruple. He is also out of contract at the end of the season.

Tottenham take on Liverpool in their first match of the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday in London.

“I am fine with it. Van Dijk said Trent has his own people in the form of his family and that he and his family are also present.

He says, “He wants to perform the best way possible, just like we all do.” That is the main focus.

“In my opinion, maybe ask him, that is the distraction… the game. ”

Source: Channels TV